The generosity and vision of passionate art advocates have helped shape the Norton Center for the Arts into the important cultural landmark it is today. Jane Morton Norton, whose name graces the building, and Chauncey Newlin, for whom Newlin Hall is named, believed deeply in the power of the arts to transform lives and enrich communities. Through the support of people like Jane and Chauncey, as well as our everyday patrons, friends and partners, the Norton Center remains a beacon of creativity and culture in Central Kentucky. By supporting the Norton Center, you, too, can become part of this legacy, ensuring that world-class performances continue to inspire and enrich the lives of so many. 

Jane Morton Norton (1908-1988) 

When Jane Morton Norton first visited Danville in the 1970s, it was strictly for business. A small liberal arts college had acquired one of her paintings for their Regional Arts Center’s permanent collection, and she was there to deliver it personally. Fifteen years later, that very center would bear her name, becoming the Norton Center for the Arts. 

Jane was known as one of the most generous and devoted supporters and trustees of Centre College in its history. A publisher, editor, radio-television executive, civic leader, and patron of the arts, Jane took on many roles throughout her lifetime. Blessed with great wealth, she was known for her generosity and love of others, especially those less fortunate than herself. Art was a large focus of her life: an accomplished author and painter, her works were exhibited in galleries all over New York, and she sat on the boards of many Kentucky arts organizations, including the Louisville Orchestra, the Kentucky Opera Association and the Kentucky Center for the Arts Endowment Fund. 

After dropping off her painting that day, Jane toured the Regional Arts Center and became taken with Newlin Hall, calling it “one of the most beautiful halls in the country.” She toured other facilities on campus and, as time went on, began attending more and more events at the arts center. Impressed by everything she saw, her interest in the College grew until she was named to the Centre College Board of Trustees in 1980. 

As a trustee, Jane was instrumental in building an endowment for the then-Regional Arts Center, personally gifting funds to ensure the success of the Center for years to come. She connected the College to numerous important figures, including Ivan Karp, a legendary New York art dealer, which led to the outstanding collection of paintings and artworks in the Norton Center’s permanent art collection. She also poured her time into the lives of students, helping dozens of young artists with educational grants, and taking many of them under her wing.  

One such artist, Thomas Lear, was recommended personally by Jane to build a beautiful sculpture as a “gatekeeper to a house of arts.” Ex Astris, the 14-foot, 1,200-pound stunning creation of brass and steel, has stood guard in front of the Grand Foyer entrance ever since. 

10 years after its grand opening, the Regional Arts Center was officially renamed in honor of one of its most generous and devoted supporters. The Jane Morton Norton Center for the Arts, later shortened to the Norton Center for the Arts, would forever pay homage to one of the strongest arts advocates Centre College had ever known.

“Although Mrs. Norton is no longer with us, her vision of the Norton Center as a facility that combines the best in performance, exhibition, and teaching is very much alive.” -1990 Centre College Associate Awards Dedication 

Chauncey Newlin (1905-1983)

Chauncey Newlin’s connection to Centre College ran deep. Born in Cincinnati in 1905 and raised in Newport before moving to Danville, Newlin was one in a legacy of Centre College graduates, where his father, brother and eventually he himself all earned their degrees. After graduating from Centre as valedictorian in 1928, Newlin pursued law at Columbia University and later became one of the nation’s most respected tax lawyers. Though he was a respected member of New York City’s highest legal circles and was honored with positions on the boards of the Metropolitan Opera and the Guggenheim Museum, his influence extended far beyond his profession, heading right back to the campus that was so dear to his heart.

Newlin’s passion for Centre College was rivaled only by his talent for building relationships. Using his legal position and knowledge, combined with important connections he had made along the way, he successfully raised millions of dollars for the College through his relationships with some of the nation’s wealthiest families and largest corporations. From U.S. Steel to W.T. Grant, Newlin would not only advise his clients on their charitable giving but would also advocate for Centre, describing it as a “very worthy, selective, splendid college in Kentucky.” His efforts led to funding for several significant buildings on campus, including the Doherty Library, Young Hall and the Norton Center for the Arts. 

Newlin was named to Centre’s Board of Trustees in 1959, and served as its chair from 1969 to 1977. He joined former College President Thomas Spragens in making the “impossible, improbable dream” of a world-class performing arts center on campus a reality.  

To honor his contributions and enduring legacy, the trustees of Centre College named the Norton Center’s main concert hall Newlin Hall in 1975, paying tribute to a man whose dedication to his alma mater spanned decades and whose influence will continue to shape the college for generations. 

As Former Centre College President Richard Morrill said, “Mr. Newlin was one of the giants in Centre College’s long history. He was a builder whose mark on the campus is permanent.”  

Today’s art advocates come in many forms, but all play an essential role in enriching the vibrant cultural environment of the Norton Center. Whether you subscribe year after year, sponsor a show, create an endowment or support programs like the Arts for the Classroom Ticket Subsidy, every act of generosity helps ensure that the performing arts remain accessible and impactful in Central Kentucky. Your support brings diverse and innovative artists directly to Centre College and the entire Danville community.